August 2025

Texarkana Magazine

AUGUST • 2025

August | 2025 | Volume 6 | Issue 8

50. STYLE Heart & Soul 62. LIFE My Drift 66. TXK ROOTS Kayli Boozer

10. SCHOOL PROFILES Back to School 20. COMMUNITY Driven by Dedication

28.

34. cover/SPORTS Friday Night Lights 44. ENTERTAINMENT Good Evening TXK

62.

66.

26. COMMUNITY Lessons Beyond the Classroom 28. CULTURE The Anxious Generation Book Review

50.

High School Graduate of…

CASSY MEISENHEIMER Queen City 2001

TERRI SANDEFUR Prescott 1989

KARA HUMPHREY Texas High 1996

ALANA MOREL Arkansas High 2002

LEAH ORR Pleasant Grove 2005

MATT CORNELIUS Homeschool 2006

BRITTANY ROBLES Texas High 2008

TERRI COX Texas High 1984

STACIE DENNARD Mount Pleasant 1996

LESLI FLOWERS Texas High 1999

BAILEY GRAVITT Texas High 2016

PATSY MORRISS Winston Churchill 1971

COVER PHOTO Robin Ahrens Lainey Brooks Mark Austin Coleman Zamanthyre Haire Fox Hambleton John Henry Meisenheimer Lexi Ware Kennedy Warner Mar’Niyah Warren

ARKANSAS HIGH Kenleigh Atkins Dale Boyles Shannon Boyles Nicholas Brown Kortlyn Estell Hallie Harris Izaih Ivy Piper McBride Graysen Narens Arlandrea Reeves

LIBERTY-EYLAU Carson Carrara Faizah Cooper Andrea Creer Zamanthyre Haire Shatarah McGee Edgar Olvera Rebecca Perez Dequane Prevo

PLEASANT GROVE Buck Anderson Elisha Angell Kaleigh Bolton Kenlie DeMedio Sophie Douglas Aubryn Franklin Kevin Greer Mason Hammonds Jamarion Richardson

TEXAS HIGH Karla Arnold Tradarian Ball Brandi Bradley Kate Cook Cameron Cribb Jlynn Dowden Emma Gravier Claire Hodge

Landon Wade Lanijah Welch

Marleigh Martin Duncan McGhee Meredith McPhaul Rafael Perez Sanders Wiggins

Jaidun Scales Eden Venable Lexi Ware Ronnie Williams

A’myah Smith Alajia Starling

CONTRIBUTORS

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903-949-6886 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

Publisher CARDINAL PUBLISHING Staff CASSY MEISENHEIMER cassy@txkmag.com TERRI SANDEFUR terri@txkmag.com

W e have landed in a season of firsts and lasts. This month, my oldest son, John Henry, is starting high school and getting his learner’s permit. It feels like just yesterday I was buckling him into a car seat, and now he is behind the wheel. As he takes the driver’s seat, I will be gripping the door handle and whispering prayers at every turn. At the same time, my youngest son, George, is heading into his final year of middle school. And if you have ever parented a middle schooler, then you already know, we are hanging in there with one eye on the finish line. It’s a chapter of life that has me taking plenty of deep breaths as I navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions. When my boys were younger, we did the full tour of youth sports. Tee-ball, basketball, soccer, flag football—you name it, we tried it. There were times when our garage looked more like a sporting goods store. Eventually, both boys found their way to golf, and now it is the one sport they truly love. They may not always come out on top, but they consistently show up, put in the work, and learn something new every time they step onto the course. We are fortunate to have great local competition that keeps them motivated and humble, and let’s be honest, that is a valuable life lesson in itself. That’s the thing about competition, it is full of valuable lessons. Whether it is on the golf course, under the Friday night

ALANA MOREL alana@txkmag.com KARA HUMPHREY kara@txkmag.com LEAH ORR leah@txkmag.com BRITTANY ROBLES brittany@txkmag.com MATT CORNELIUS matt@txkmag.com

lights, or in the world of business, competition drives us. It pushes us to work harder, think smarter, and aim higher. One of the best things

competition teaches us is the importance of respect. Over time, you begin to recognize that the people who challenge you the most are often the ones you admire the most. There is something meaningful about rising to the challenge while still cheering for the ones rising beside you. In this issue, our Friday Night Lights section showcases local students and athletes from across the area. What you see on these pages is the result of a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination. It takes parents who go the extra mile, coaches and staff who make time in their busy days, and the incredible Texarkana Magazine team believing in everything we do. With enough group texts and emails, anything is possible. There is more to enjoy this month, too. Inside, you will find a book review of The Anxious Generation , learn about LifeWise Academy, a home feature, and a witty, wise column by the always-insightful Patsy Morriss. Welcome back to school and to the return of routine, even if it feels like summer break ended just a little too soon.

Local Sources CLARE ANGIER MARY CAROLINE ANGIER KENNEDI BAIRD JAMIE HARRIS HOLMES MOREL JOE REGAN DENISE WEBB

CRAFTED IN TEXARKANA. EMPLOYEE OWNED AND LOCALLY SOURCED.

#txkmag

Texarkana Magazine is a multimedia publication showcasing the Texarkana area and is designed and published by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Articles in Texarkana Magazine should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Ideaology, products, and services promoted in the publication are not necessarily endorsed by Texarkana Magazine .

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

The 2025–2026 school year is here, and finding the right school is key to a successful educational experience. Whether your student is starting elementary, middle school, high school, community college, pursuing a trade, or working toward a four-year degree, you can feel confident knowing the Texarkana region offers excellent options.

Support local teachers and students by giving to their education foundation— or scan the QR codes to learn more and help make a local impact!

Ashdown Public Schools

Hooks ISD

Liberty-Eylau ISD

Maud ISD

Pleasant Grove ISD

Red Lick ISD

Texas A&M University— Texarkana

University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

St. James Day School

Texarkana College

Texarkana ISD

2025 SCHOOL PROFILES

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DRIVEN BY DEDICIATION BY TERRI COX

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” —William Arthur Ward

photo courtesy of TISD

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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Local State Farm agents Derrick McGary and Kelli Ashbrook Cummings, pictured with Teacher of the Year recipients, along with Susan Robbins and Charles Pankey, stand in front of the Toyota RAV4s awarded to each honoree. T eachers shape minds. They mold hearts. They guide generations. Yet, way too often, their work and sacrifices go unseen and unrecognized. Many sadly withhold their loudest applause and highest compensation for celebrities and athletes. It seems easy to forget those true unsung heroes who work tirelessly every day behind classroom doors. But not in Texarkana.

For Katie Diaz, TISD Teacher of the Year, the gesture has had a deeply personal impact. “Being given the use of a car for a year has been such a blessing,” she said. “As a teacher, it meant so much to be recognized in that way, but on a personal level, it’s been even more impactful. I’ve been living with cancer for the past 12 years and travel to the cancer center in Dallas regularly. Knowing I have a safe, reliable car to get me there and back has taken such a burden off my shoulders. Robbins Toyota’s generosity has meant more to me than they probably realize…not just as a teacher, but as someone who has been walking a very long road. I’m truly grateful!” LEISD’s honoree, LaBrandon McDaniel, is using his vehicle to give back in a different way. “It’s a blessing! I’m honored to represent the Liberty-Eylau School District and the community,” he says. “I love saving money and because of Robbins Toyota and State Farm, I am able to put more money into my family and less wear and tear on my own car. I plan on putting the car on the road to watch former athletes in college play and taking the family on road trips.” Gaby Valle, also of TISD, finds joy in the reactions she gets behind the wheel. “I am enjoying driving the car so much! It’s been fun seeing people react to it. My favorite part is when students that know me see the car and they start waving! It is truly an incredible opportunity to represent not just my district but also all the teachers that have a passion for being in the classroom. I am so grateful to the sponsors for providing this opportunity. “

Each year, Robbins Toyota–one of the oldest car dealerships in Texas–honors local Teachers of the Year from participating school districts by handing them the keys to a new Toyota RAV4. These vehicles, fully insured and maintained, come with a tank of gas and a car wash every month for an entire year. It is a program that not only surprises but uplifts those who have given so much of themselves to Texarkana’s students. “Teachers frequently don’t receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve for the dedication and vital role they play in shaping our students’ futures,” says Susan Robbins, owner and operator of Robbins Toyota. “By giving the Teacher of the Year a car, it’s our way of giving back and drawing attention to some of the most amazing teachers in our community.” Districts participating in the program include Texarkana ISD (TISD), Liberty-Eylau ISD (LEISD) and Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD). Each Teacher of the Year is presented with their RAV4 during a joyful and often emotional ceremony, complete with applause and sometimes tears.

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TISD Teacher of the Year, Gaby Valle

LESD Teacher of the Year, LaBrandon McDaniel

TISD Teacher of the Year, Katie Diaz

TASD Teacher of the Year, Shannon Roberson

Shannon Roberson, Teacher of the Year at TASD, shares, “Being named district Teacher of the Year is a blessing and receiving a car as a token of appreciation is the icing on the cake! Special thanks to Robbins Toyota for making this happen and the Texarkana Arkansas School District for being recognized.” This initiative is made possible not just by Robbins Toyota, but through partnerships with Derrick McGary State Farm Insurance Agency and Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance Agency who sponsor the insurance for each vehicle. Their support ensures that teachers can enjoy their year behind the wheel worry free! Susan Robbins adds, “We enjoy watching the shock, joy, and occasional tears as they are awarded the new RAV4. It’s a reminder of how meaningful recognition for a job well done can be. We hear stories of meals being paid for in drive-through lanes, congratulatory honks, waves, and even reserved parking spots. It’s amazing!” The dealership’s commitment to education doesn’t stop with teachers. Each year, Robbins Toyota awards a brand-new Toyota Corolla to a graduating senior with perfect attendance from their senior year. The car is theirs to keep for good —it’s fully theirs from

the moment they win. This is given in front of family and faculty at a celebratory event hosted at the dealership. Founded in 1966 by Eddie Robbins, Robbins Toyota is the second oldest Toyota dealership In Texas. After Eddie’s unexpected passing in 2014, his daughter, Susan, returned to Texarkana full time in 2016 to take over as owner and operator. She has continued her father’s legacy with not only a strong business presence but a commitment to giving back to the community that has built them. The dealership’s passion for educators runs deep, “We love to hear the stories from teachers driving their new Toyotas all over the country,“ Susan says. “It reminds us of why we do this.” In a world that often moves too fast to notice those quiet unsung heroes among us, Robbins Toyota has now chosen to recognize and celebrate the educators who shape our kids’ futures. Students don’t always move on in life remembering every lesson that they have been taught, but they always remember the teachers who believed in them. With every RAV4 that hits the road, it’s not just a car—it’s a moving tribute to the power of teaching and a big, bold way of saying “Thank you!”

TISD Teacher of the Year Gaby Valle reacts with surprise and joy as she’s honored with a new vehicle.

TISD Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker congratulates Teacher of the Year Katie Diaz upon receiving her new car.

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LESSONS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM BY STACIE DENNARD

F or the first time in decades, research is highlighting a surprising trend. Young people are asking big questions and looking for answers in religion. Newsweek recently posed the question, “Are Gen Zers Becoming More Religious?” and shared that nearly half of young adults in England and Wales now say they believe in God or a higher power. This marks a striking shift from years of declining belief across Western societies. Data from the U.S. shows a similar pattern, with more young adults engaging with the Bible and committing to Christianity. For many, it feels like faith is finding its place again. That momentum is showing up close to home. In March 2025, a new program was introduced in Red Lick ISD that proved so successful it will be piloted in Texarkana ISD as well. If interest continues to grow, six additional Bowie County districts are expected to follow. The program is called LifeWise Academy. Its mission is simple and powerful: partner alongside communities, schools, and churches, to teach children about God and the Bible while helping them develop positive character values. Your gut instinct might be to question the legality of such a program. This locally led ministry provides off-campus release time for religious instruction during school hours. And according to the 1952 Supreme Court decision Zorach v. Clauson , teaching the Bible during the public-school day is constitutional and therefore legal in all 50 states if the program is off school property, privately funded, and parent permitted. LifeWise Academy meets all three of these requirements. Even Governor Abbott supports the effort. This summer, he signed

into law SB 1049, authorizing “public school students to be excused during school hours… to attend off-campus religious instruction, with written consent from a parent or legal guardian” (First Liberty Institute, May 30, 2025). When the program was first piloted in Red Lick ISD, 55 third and fourth graders rode a bus once a week to a local church just minutes away. During their forty-minute session, students learned about the Bible and character education through a biblical lens. Parents who enrolled their children in the voluntary program were so encouraged by the experience that LifeWise Red Lick anticipates that the majority of students will participate this school year. LifeWise Academy plans to launch a program serving Texarkana ISD in the future, with voluntary enrollment available for third graders at Westlawn, Waggoner Creek, and Morriss Elementary Schools, as well as second graders at Theron Jones Elementary. LifeWise does not just serve Texarkana. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2018 and first launched in Ohio. Today, LifeWise serves more than 500 schools in 27 states. Joe Shehan, North Texas State Director, describes LifeWise as, “unapologetically, unabashedly, unswervingly Bible centered.” The organization makes it clear that it is not tied to any specific denomination or

political group. LifeWise focuses on the main and plain teachings of the Bible, foundational beliefs shared by various Christian denominations. LifeWise prioritizes transparency, with parents able to learn more about lessons and access the full curriculum at lifewise.org/for-parents . LifeWise Texarkana is led by local volunteers who care deeply for children and represent a variety of churches and denominations in the community. Volunteer Program Director Veronica Oubre hopes students will share what they learn with their parents and their local church, envisioning a community united in protecting, educating, and caring for all children. LifeWise Academy is free for any student who wants to learn about God, the Bible, and biblical character values. Local residents interested in supporting biblical education in public schools are encouraged to pray and consider how they might get involved. Community members are visiting area churches to gather donations, and one anonymous Texarkana resident has generously pledged to match a $25,000 grant. LifeWise also welcomes volunteers, including teachers, bus drivers, and classroom helpers. Parents can learn more by visiting lifewise.org , where they will also find details about volunteering and giving. As Jesus reminded His disciples in the book of Matthew, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” LifeWise Academy invites you to take part in this work through prayer, service, or support, helping plant seeds that will impact generations to come.

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O n the heels of the new Arkansas and Texas legislation banning cell phones from schools, it seems an appropriate time to dive deeper into Jonathan Haidt’s best seller. One claim of the book is that parents have unintentionally strayed from keeping their children as safe as necessary. They have navigated with extreme caution in real-world situations, aiming for all the safety they can offer while casually handing them devices that expose them to a dark virtual world where their protection is often limited and essentially unknown to parents and guardians. “The two biggest mistakes we have made: overprotecting them (our children) in the real world (where they need to learn from vast amounts of direct experience) and under protecting them online (where they are particularly vulnerable during puberty).” —The Anxious Generation The Anxious Generation BOOK REVIEW BY LESLI FLOWERS PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS In March 2024, Johnathan Haidt published The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness . Since its release, it has become a viral sensation among parents navigating the boundaries of cell phones as their children come of age. “My central claim in this book is that these two trends—overprotection in the real world and under protection in the virtual world—are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation.” —Jonathan Haidt.

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learning how to cope with challenges, build resilience, and basic executive functions. “Experience, not information, is the key to emotional development.” —The Anxious Generation Arkansas and Texas became just a handful of states to pass legislation that limits the use of smartphones during school hours. It is a bold policy decision that will now afford us a front-row seat to putting Haidt’s claims to the test and truly witnessing the impact phones have had on our most vulnerable. Haidt is careful to distinguish between the use of phones as a tool and the use as a virtual social world replacement. “The phone-based life makes it difficult for people to be fully present with others when they are with others, and to sit silently with themselves when they are alone.” —The Anxious Generation Imagine a cafeteria where teens are having authentic conversations with their classmates and not being distractedly pulled away into a curated virtual world. “Synchronous, face-to-face, physical interactions and rituals are a deep, ancient, and underappreciated part of human evolution.” —The Anxious Generation While there are many other facets to the execution of this new legislation, Haidt believes that this is the right step in truly protecting our children and righting the mental health crisis that has plagued generations since the advent of the smartphone. Together, as a society and local community, we have the opportunity to rise up and support our local school officials as they execute a new norm for our brightest and most vulnerable souls. “There is a hole, an emptiness in us all, that we strive to fill. If it doesn’t get filled with something noble and elevated, modern society will quickly pump it full of garbage. That has been true since the beginning of the age of mass media, but the garbage pump got 100 times more powerful in the 2010s. It matters what we expose ourselves to.” —The Anxious Generation

While the results vary from boys to girls, the danger exists in both. By and large, there is more depression and anxiety among girls, while boys are facing issues like ADHD, addiction, and behavioral difficulties. Haidt proposes four new norms to help rewire childhood. 1. No smartphones before high school. Parents should delay children’s entry into round-the-clock internet access by giving only basic phones (phones with limited apps and no internet browser) before ninth grade (roughly age 14). Let kids get through the most vulnerable period of brain development before connecting them to a firehose of social comparison and algorithmically chosen influencers. 2. No social media before age 16. In all schools from elementary through high school, students should store their phones, smartwatches, and any other personal devices that can send or receive texts in phone lockers or locked pouches during the school day to free up their attention. free play, and responsibility in the real world. “That’s the way children naturally develop social skills, overcome anxiety, and become self-governing adults.” —The Anxious Generation 3. Phone-free schools. 4. More independence,

For decades, Haidt, a social psychologist, dedicated his work to researching and exploring every facet of the mental health crisis among teens. Haidt argues that the widespread adoption of smartphones, especially among children and adolescents, has fundamentally altered the healthy growth of children. Smartphones have replaced key developmental experiences like the play-based, imagination- rich childhood of times gone by, fueling an epidemic of anxiety, depression and social dysfunction. Haidt does not believe this to be merely a blip in the timeline, but a mental restructuring of the next generation. “Gen Z became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternate universe that was exciting, addictive, unstable and, as I will show, unsuitable for adolescents.” —The Anxious Generation Prior to 2010, most children spent large portions of their time outdoors, playing with their neighbors, walking to the convenience store, riding bikes, or playing a game of baseball. This type of interaction for kids teaches them conflict resolution, how to develop independence and learning through experience, which

are all key factors in healthy psychological development. When we replace these basic human developmental opportunities with a smart phone, we rob our children of

See details about the new Cell Phone Ban in Schools laws passed by Arkansas and Texas legislators on page 32.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

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“BELL TO BELL, NO CELL” ARKANSAS ACT SB142 What is SB 142? The “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act, sponsored by Senator Tyler Dees and Representative Jon Eubanks and signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in February 2025, requires all public schools to ban personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last bell during the school day. What the Law Requires • Complete device ban during instructional hours (student may bring devices, but they must be turned off and stowed) • District policies required, with publication on school websites outlining the ban and exemptions • State-supported pilot and funding Timeline • Pilot launched in summer 2024, with statewide rollout in 2025–2026 school year. • Funding for storage solutions distributed in late 2024. Why It's Being Enacted • Governor Sanders cites teen mental health concerns and academic performance as motivations. • Pilot schools reported improvements in engagement, reduced anxiety, and easier classroom management. Critic Concerns

SCHOOL DAY CELL PHONE BAN TEXAS HB 1481 What is HB 1481? House Bill 1481, introduced by Representative Caroline Fairly (R–Amarillo), was passed by the Texas Legislature in spring 2025 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025. What the Law Requires • Cell phones and all personal communication devices banned during school hours. Includes any device capable of digital communication. • Mandatory district policies—school boards and charter operators must adopt written rules prohibiting use of devices on campus during the school day. • Options for device storage—schools can choose to ban devices outright on campus or designate secure storage areas. (e.g., lockable pouches or cubbies) Timeline First full enforcement at the start of the 2025–2026 school year, with many districts planning enforcement by August 2025. Why It’s Being Enacted • Reduce distractions and classroom disruptions. •

Encourage face-to-face interaction, deeper focus, and active learning. Potentially decrease cyberbullying.

•

Critic Concerns Communication delays during emergencies, although schools say essential calls can be routed through the office. Final Thoughts Texas HB 1481 marks a notable shift toward limiting student tech access during learning hours. By setting statewide rules but allowing local flexibility, the law aims to reduce distractions and improve classroom focus, while still accommodating special needs. As districts prepare, the impact on student engagement, safety, and communication will become clearer.

Some parents worry about not being able to contact their child promptly. Schools suggest using the office for essential communication. Final Thoughts

Arkansas’s “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act builds on a growing national trend to reduce technology distractions and support student mental health. By enforcing a statewide ban while granting local autonomy and support, the state aims to promote focused learning environments. The success of this policy will hinge on effective communication, implementation, and community buy-in.

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FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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WOOO PIG SOOIE!

With smiles on our faces and angels on our toes. Amen. ” —Redline Prayer

What day is it? Show day! ” —The Band

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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My favorite thing about Friday Night Lights is supporting the Razorbacks. There’s nothing like the sound of the band, the roar of the crowd, and the energy in the air when those lights come on! We love leading the student section, performing on the sidelines, and being a part of something that feels bigger

than just a game—it’s

tradition, pride, and Razorback

spirit all in one night. ” —Crystal Lambert, Cheer Coach

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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WE TELL THE STORY. WE TELL THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD THIS IS LEOPARD TERRITORY!

I’m most excited about the halftime show. It’s like painting a picture—we aim to express emotion and create a full sensory experience for our audience every game and competition. ” —T’Randle Taylor, Band Director

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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What excites me most is seeing our dancers’ dedication come to life on Friday nights. We make every Friday night a celebration to

remember! ” —Juanita Ross, English Teacher & Dazzlers Drill Team Director

I am most looking forward to every home game! We love seeing our community show up and show out. ” —Denise Webb, Athletic Secretary

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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HAWK NATION!

Friday nights are incredibly special to Pleasant Grove. We have ELITE fan support, and it’s a true community event that brings everyone in our district together. ” —Josh Gibson, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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I’m always thrilled for Friday night

football games and watching the girls cheer on the Hawks. However, I must admit that I get even more excited for the Watermelon Supper and pep rallies, where the girls get to showcase their true talents. ” —Shera Hopkins, Cheer Coach

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There’s no better place to be than Grim on a Friday night. ”

WHO YA WITH? T-HIGH!

—Amber Reynolds, Highstepper Coach

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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My favorite part of Friday Night Lights is the sounds of the fans, the excitement of the kids, the noise of the band—I love the pageantry of the game. The raw emotion and the frustration of having to push through something hard. ” —Gerry Stanford,

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

2025 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

2025 LIBERTY-EYLAU LEOPARDS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AUGUST 8/29 H Pittsburg SEPTEMBER 9/5 H Henderson* 9/12 A Carthage 9/19 A Bullard OCTOBER 10/3 A Tatum 10/10 H Gladewater 10/17 A Atlanta 10/24 H White Oak 10/31 A Jefferson NOVEMBER 11/7 H Sabine

2025 PLEASANT GROVE HAWKS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AUGUST 8/28 H Atlanta SEPTEMBER 9/5 H Paris 9/11 A Daingerfield 9/19 H Kilgore* 9/26 A Sunnyvale OCTOBER 10/10 H North Lamar 10/17 H Spring Hill 10/24 A Gilmer 10/31 H Pittsburg NOVEMBER 11/7 A Van

2025 TEXAS TIGERS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AUGUST 8/28 A Tyler Legacy SEPTEMBER 9/5 H Argyle Liberty 9/12 H Midlothian Heritage 9/19 H Fayetteville 9/26 A Hallsville OCTOBER 10/3 H Whitehouse 10/10 A Marshall 10/17 H Mt. Pleasant* 10/31 A Jacksonville NOVEMBER 11/7 H Nachogdoches

2025 ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AUGUST 8/19 A Fort Smith NS 8/29 A Catholic SEPTEMBER 9/5 H Morrilton 9/12 A El Dorado 9/26 H Magnolia OCTOBER 10/3 A Camden FV 10/10 H Lakeside* 10/16 A Parkview 10/24 A Hot Springs 10/31 H Hope NOVEMBER 11/6 A De Queen

*HOMECOMING H-HOME A-AWAY

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T here are few milestones in life that hit harder in high school, emotionally and, in my case, literally (you’ll understand why soon) than getting your first car. You clutch your learner’s permit like a golden ticket, praying Driver’s Ed taught you enough not to take out the neighbor’s mailbox. (For the record, I did not. I almost did. But I didn’t. I just took out bumpers. Plural.) My first car was a blue Nissan Rogue named Blue Ivy. I was 17 and maybe a bit dramatic, but Blue Ivy was so much more than just a car to me. She meant freedom. Power. She was the first place I ever screamed “Roman’s Revenge” by Nicki Minaj and Eminem at full volume, with the windows down. I felt like no one in the world had ever felt anything deeper than me. She was the first thing I ever truly paid for on my own. My mom made it clear early on that if I wanted something, I had to work for it. The car payment was on me. The insurance was on me. And I love that she insisted things needed to be that way, because not only did that payment teach me a lot, but that car taught me even more… including the fact that fries in the floorboard are not worth a rear-end collision at a red light. Parker (my brother) yelling “BAILEY!” as I slammed on the brakes will live rent-free in my mind for eternity. Sorry again to the car in front of me, my fries really were not worth it. Then came Black Beauty, another Nissan Rogue. Sleek, mysterious, and she gave main character energy… until she too met her fate behind someone else’s bumper while my friend Hannah and I were vibing a little too hard to “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett. Amid debris and deployed airbags, I realized I really should start a GoFundMe for every car I’ve rear-ended: “Learning the Hard Way: The Bailey Gravitt Story.” And now, there is my sweet baby girl, Kandi. She’s been with me since 2019. Apple red, loyal, ride-or-die, the only girl who’s stuck with me this long. Kandi’s been through it. She has taken me to job interviews, church on Sunday mornings, and Whataburger at midnight. She’s seen me cry so hard I had to pull over, and she’s seen me laugh until my stomach hurt. She has seen every version of me, and somehow, she still cranks up every morning with that same purr. That’s my girl.

GOOD EVENING TXK COLUMN BY BAILEY GRAVITT

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The truth is, our first car isn’t just transportation. It is transition. It’s the moment you stop being a passenger in your own life. It is freedom, yes, but also fear— sooo much fear! Because now you can go wherever you want… which means you have to decide where that is. And that’s scary. I used to hate change. I would grip the familiar like a steering wheel on black ice, pretending if I just held on tight enough, I wouldn’t crash. But life never really works like that. Change comes whether or not we want it. Sometimes softly, sometimes with a crunch of metal and a call to your insurance agent. Maybe Blue Ivy saw the first cracks in who I was trying to be. Maybe Black Beauty

watched me step into my own. And maybe Kandi is the one riding with me now, as I finally live out loud, fully and freely as God intended me to be. I hope you remember your first car. I hope you feel that flutter in your stomach again. The mix of nerves and thrill. I hope

learned, it’s that a dead end is never really a dead end. You can always turn around. The road may not always be smooth, but there is always a next destination. And by the grace of Jesus (because it definitely ain’t my driving skills)… I have always had a car to get me there!

you remember the songs you screamed, the people you loved, the late nights, the wrong turns, and the growing pains. Because if there is one thing I have

August 2 Pol Care Inc. Backpack Giveaway Texarkana College 10 am-1 pm August 5 & 7 Flower Power Planters TRAHC’s ArtSpace 6-8 pm August 5 Art Journaling TRAHC’s ArtSpace 6-8 pm August 5 & 19

August 7-9 Hope Watermelon Festival Hope Fair Park 11 am August 11, 13, & 15

Poetry Bootcamp TRAHC’s ArtSpace 5:30-7 pm August 14 & 28

Free Pound Classes Southwest Center 9 am August 17 A Night of Amazement with Ben Jackson First Baptist Church 6 pm August 23 Yellow Petal Bike Ride Spring Lake Park 6:30 pm August 30 Boggy Creek Monster Mingle

August 1 Jackson James Band Live Fat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar 8 pm August 2

August 9 Chase the Night Whiskey River Country 10 pm August 15, 22, & 29 Graham Wincher Band Redbone Magic Brewing Company 7:30 pm August 16 David Lewis Whiskey River Country 11 pm August 29 Traveler & Bluebird-Chris Stapleton & Miranda

Free Barre Classes Southwest Center 9 am August 6 Music & Moves TRAHC’s ArtSpace 10-10:30 am August 7 Watercolor Pet Workshop TRAHC’s ArtSpace 6-8 pm August 7 Temple Memorial Drawdown & Casino Night Elks Lodge 6 pm

Twenty One 48 Redbone Magic Brewing Company 7:30 pm August 8 & 9 Calvin Richardson

Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center 7 pm August 9 Patrick Lamb Hope Watermelon Festival 7 pm

502 North Monster Expressway, Fouke 10 am-6 pm

Lambert Tribute Fat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar 7 pm

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Josh Potter Smartless Podcast

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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HEART & SOUL PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS T ucked away along North Kings Highway, the home of Cheyenne and Larry Epstein is a charming blend of retro character, rich history, and personal meaning. Built

in 1966, and now in the hands of only its third owners, the home holds onto its original charm. Details like the stone tile and built-in firewood storage in the mudroom and the chandelier still casting its glow in the second living room add to its character. As a Pleasant Grove football coach, Larry Epstein, like his team, lives by the motto “Heart and Soul,” and that same spirit resonates through every inch of their home. The couple’s favorite space, known as the staircase room, features a reclaimed spiral staircase from the original New Boston courthouse, anchoring the room with both story and substance. Throughout the home, pieces like a handcrafted kitchen table from East Texas Grain & Knot and an expressive painting of Jesus by Vanessa Horabuena speak to the couple’s thoughtful, personal style. Grounded in faith and filled with purpose, the Epstein home is not just a place to live. It is a place that reflects the values they hold dear, with legacy, love, and a whole lot of heart and soul.

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(left) “Jesus” by Christian worship artist Vanessa Horabuena is a focal point when entering the main living space.

(below) The Epsteins’ favorite space, affectionately called the staircase room, showcases a reclaimed spiral staircase salvaged from the original New Boston courthouse.

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A handcrafted kitchen table from East Texas Grain & Knot anchors the space and is a statement piece in the Epstein home.

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Natural materials and bold contrasts define each space, blending comfort with contemporary flair.

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“There’s something special about a home that holds both history and heart. I’m drawn to design that respects the architecture’s original story while layering in personal touches—because the beauty of a home is in its details, and the love you pour into them.” —Cheyenne Epstein

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The outdoor living area pairs sleek black-framed seating with layered textures and wood accents. A built-in grill and concrete countertops

add both style and function, creating a space ideal for relaxed entertaining.

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TEXARKANA MAGAZINE S o your last baby bird has left for college, leaving your nest empty and eerily silent. If you’re feeling blue about it, you’re not alone. Sending your offspring out of your home and into the world is one of life’s greater challenges, and a fair number of emotions are involved. Excitement for your child, apprehension about his or her happiness and success, both academic and social, and worries about your own sense of lost purpose are all to be expected. Life in your home will never be the same once your kids have flown the coop. Even though there will be visits, the rhythm of your family is permanently changed. Of course you welcome this step towards your child’s future success; nobody hopes their child fails to launch. Nevertheless, the melancholy you feel is real and inescapable. Experts say that parents can experience loneliness, sadness, grief and even depression when their children leave home. If these feelings become overwhelming, they say, therapy is a good option. They offer little tips like staying in touch with your child, reminding yourself that parenting is just one phase of adulthood, and taking care of yourself by eating right and getting plenty of exercise.

it more profoundly. Whether or not that’s true, I do feel qualified to offer a few suggestions to those of you who are new to it, and I guarantee they’ll help you out more than healthy eating and daily exercise. As with so many things in life, it makes a difference if you can find a way to look at the bright side. Focusing on the positive of nobody under forty living in your space will perk up your attitude. Raising children is all encompassing and an undeniably selfless endeavor. Embrace the opportunity to worry only about your own needs, and maybe your spouse’s, for food, shelter and comfort. I recommend starting with your laundry hamper. Open it. Look inside. You notice that, like your nest, it is empty. It is eerily silent. Recognize this for the good thing it is. Give a joyful shout and go read a book instead of sorting smelly socks.

Seriously? They pull out the diet-and-exercise card for empty nest syndrome? I don’t know about you, but I tend to think recommending a sensible diet and regular exercise is a copout. Maybe that’s because I’m not a fan of either. Anyway, I’m certainly not an expert, but I did raise and launch an only child. Having had, in keeping with the avian metaphors, all my eggs in one basket, I experienced an empty nest fairly abruptly. Some of those experts say I experienced

MY DRIFT COLUMN BY PATSY MORRISS | PHOTO BY MATT CORNELIUS The Nest is Empty—Now Where’s My Wine

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Walk by the offspring-in-question’s bedroom. It’s probably pretty tidy. The bed is no doubt made and the sheets don’t need to be changed. The waste basket isn’t even full. Oh, happy day. Now head to the kitchen. Think about what’s for dinner. Remind yourself that a balanced, healthy meal, while a good idea for your growing child, is not a necessity for yourself and your spouse. A glass of wine and some cheese and crackers will do nicely. Cancel the trip to the grocery store and sit down with a crossword puzzle. Feel content. Listen closely. Do you hear a siren in the distance? Remind yourself that it can’t possibly be your teenager, because your teenager is miles away. Stop worrying. Relax. Take a nap. There are definite positives to having an empty nest. You just have to look for them. That “out of sight, out of mind” thing is real. Admit it—when you hear a siren and your child is out, you always assume that he or she has been in an accident. It’s what

parents do. When your child is late coming home, you naturally jump to the conclusion that something terrible has happened. Obviously, something could happen to your child on a college campus. But because you don’t know they’re late, and you can’t hear sirens 200 miles away, you simply don’t think about it. Which is really a blessing, because worrying accomplishes nothing anyway. It can be very freeing not knowing what your kid is up to. It was a different world in 1998 when we packed our son off to A&M. Unlimited talk and text were yet to be the norm and land lines still offered long distance you had to pay for. Emailing was in its infancy and the Internet was dial up. We really didn’t know what he was up to most of the time. One day when I came home for a quick lunch, I dialed up the Internet and heard the AOL Instant Message chimes for the very first time. Simultaneously, a text box popped up with the words, “Hi, Mom!” Between classes, he had stopped by the library to use their computer.

I went home for lunch and dialed up AOL every day for the rest of that semester, and the sound of those IM chimes could make my heart sing to this day. So I talk really big. Empty nesting was a genuine struggle for me, and my heart goes out to all of you who are experiencing it for the first time. Those experts I mentioned earlier? They do suggest getting back in touch with the person you were before you became a parent. Or becoming someone new, unimpeded by the constant demands of parenting. Rekindle your relationship with your spouse; it has undoubtedly changed during the parenting years. Now is your chance to get it back or make it new. Opportunities are abundant. Focus on that empty laundry hamper, the people far away who are preparing three meals a day for your offspring, and the ability to sleep right through curfew. Enjoy it. And get ready for the next phase. Because in-laws are not far off. And grandchildren come next!

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TXK ROOTS Kayli Boozer

Kayli Boozer grew up in Texarkana, Texas, after moving from Dallas at the age of three. With all her childhood memories rooted in Texarkana, she developed a deep appreciation for the power of community—something she carried with her when she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kayli trained for 12 years at North East Texas Elite Gymnastics, where she was a late bloomer in a sport that often favors early commitments. While many gymnasts secured college spots before their junior year, Kayli committed to the University of Michigan as a walk-on after graduating high school. Despite facing challenges her freshman year, she embraced each as an opportunity for growth. Her perseverance paid off when she earned a scholarship after her sophomore season. Kayli credits the supportive people of Texarkana and the lessons they instilled in her—resilience, faith, and determination, for helping shape her journey. She remains grateful for the prayers, belief, and encouragement she received both in and outside of the gym.

What is your favorite Texarkana memory? My favorite memories in Texarkana are the ones where I was playing outside with family or friends. I loved picking mulberries with my family while we rode on the golf cart, playing hide-and-seek in the woods during family holidays, and having the ability to explore nature. What was the teen hangout when you lived here? Honestly, I’m not too sure what the hangout spot was. I never had much free time because I was always in the gym or traveling for mine or my siblings’ sports. However, my best friend and I always enjoyed going to Sonic for a drink, a snack, and a deep conversation. Where was your favorite place to shop in Texarkana? I love shopping at Dillard’s in the mall! There is so much variety, from shoes,

teachers from other places, and I am so thankful to have grown up with educators who fully care about the success of their students. What is your nickname for Texarkana? I always abbreviate to TK. What do you miss about Texarkana? I miss free and easy parking. There’s minimal free parking in Ann Arbor, and it’s mostly parallel…YUCK! (I failed my driver’s test because of parallel parking.

to jewelry to perfume… they really have it all. (It’s also a bonus that I can walk and get a cookie or snack afterwards.) Were you a Hawk, Leopard, Razorback, or Tiger? I was a TISD Tiger from kindergarten to second grade, a Red Lick Mustang from third to eighth grades, and then I graduated as a PG Hawk. Who is someone from Texarkana who impacted your life? Aside from family and friends, my coaches at North East Texas Elite Gymnastics impacted my life a ton. Through their dedication, I was able

#embarrassing). What words do you live by? My strength and conditioning coach always

to live out my lifelong dream of becoming a collegiate gymnast!

What do you love about Texarkana? I love the teachers! Coming to college, I heard so many horror stories about

says, “Be where your feet are.” I’ve really started to hang onto every second I can because of that.

TXK Roots is Texarkana Magazine ’s forum to highlight and honor Texarkana natives who have accomplished big things in the world. These folks may have relocated, but they took the values, education, work ethic, and creativity instilled in them by growing up in this unique border city and used these qualities to blaze extraordinary trails. We asked them to share their thoughts about growing up here. No matter how far from Texarkana they may find themselves, we will always consider them our neighbors and we are proud to claim them as forever members of our extended Texarkana community. After all, “everyone is famous in their hometown!”

TXK ROOTS

TEXARKANA, TX PERMIT #93

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